Foundations

Q&A: Leaky Stone Foundation

Which Floor Bounces More?

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A.It is possible to control many basement leaks with grading and drainage. The ground should slope away from the house, and gutters and downspouts should carry water away from the house. However, in many cases basement leaks come not just from surface water, but from ground water. In this case, the best solution is to excavate along the foundation and install a waterproofing membrane on the stone wall, and a footing drain to a sump drain or to daylight. Bed the drain in gravel, and backfill with a sandy, well-draining soil. Use a filter fabric over the gravel backfill around the footing drain to prevent fines from clogging the gravel and drain.